Press Releases

PIQUA, Ohio — November 17, 1997 — Hartzell Propeller Inc., has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation of new two-bladed aluminum hub propellers on all 150 and 160 horsepower Piper Apache PA23s. The new prop will eliminate the inspection requirements of Airworthiness Directive AD97-18-02.

The new Top Prop™ system replaces older steel hub propeller systems, some of which are 35 to 40 years old. The props will offer improved service and maintenance benefits including a 2,000 hour TBO … the longest service interval available … as well as a useful load increase of approximately 5 pounds. These new propellers are the latest addition to Hartzell’s growing family of “compact” propeller systems, which feature a two-piece aluminum hub design.

At a list price of $12,900 (which includes two props, two new polished spinners and STC paperwork), this is the only Piper Apache conversion propeller kit on the market today. The props also come with the strongest warranty in the business … the Hartzell Plus Three™ warranty … which covers parts and service for three years or 1,000 hours.

Hartzell propeller conversions offer pilots one of the easiest and most economical methods for improving the performance of their aircraft. With a wide variety of Beech, Cessna, Mooney and Piper aircraft kits available, the Top Prop family represents the largest and most complete propeller conversion offering in the world.

Hartzell Propeller Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of propeller systems, shipping product into more than 25 countries in 1996. Hartzell enjoys a 60 percent market share on turboprop airliners and 85 percent market share on corporate turboprops. The 80-year old company is also well-known for its design leadership, having introduced the industry’s first full-feathering propeller for light twins, the first fully reversing propellers for corporate turboprops and the industry’s first composite structure blades.